Circuit controlling device



CIRCUIT CONTROLLING DEVICE Filed Marcfi 51, 1952 IN V EN TOR. Edward .5. A/awasz'e/ah new W BY 5 W:

Patented Sept. 26, 1933 Edward B. Nowosielski, Bloomfield, N. J., as-

signor, by mesne assignments, to Eclipse Avia tion Corporation, East Orange, N. J a corporation of New Jersey Application March 31, 1932. Serial No. 602,305

7 18 Qlaims. (01. 200-111) This invention relates to circuit controlling devices and particularly to switches of the electromagnetically actuated type.

I An object of the invention is to provide novel t electro-magnetically actuated circuit closing means in combination with mechanical means for opening such circuit or circuits instantaneously upon de-energization of the electro magnetic actuating means,

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel circuit-controlling device which is completely enclosed and electrically shielded, while at the same time being readily accessible for service and adjustment.

Another object is to provide a switch controlling solenoid of novel construction characterized by the provision of a hollow plunger or core having a diameter several times greater than its stroke, thus making it possible to produce a comparatively powerful electro-magnetic device, yet confining'it within narrow limits by disposing the switch members within the hollow core.

Another object of the invention is to provide a solenoid switch mechanism which is positive in its action, but which nevertheless operates with small current consumption.

Another object of the invention is to provide a solenoid switch mechanism in which the moving parts will so respond to the electro-magnetic action as to produce firm contact with the cooperating stationary switch elements with a minimum consumption of current and a maximumeffectiveness on the part of the electromagnetic field;

' A further object of the invention is to provide a' dvice of the foregoing character which is comparatively small and of light weight, so as to make it possible to provide a quick clean break "of the contacts by the use of a comparatively slight mechanically applied force. 1

,Another object is the provision of a device which is inexpensive to manufacture, and in which the parts may be readily assembled or taken out for inspection orqeplacement, and to which a heat responsive circuit controlling element may conveniently be attached, if desired.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent upon an examination of the following specification when read with reference to the accompanying drawing illustrating the preferred "embodiment thereof. It is to be understood, however, that the drawing is merely illustrative and is not designed to indicate the limits of the invention, reference being had for this purpose to the appended claims.

tin-magnetic means within'the member 'l, and

In the drawing,

Fig. 1 is a view in elevation, with parts broken away and in section, of a device embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a composite sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, except for the thermostatic elements which are shown as viewed from a different angle; and

Fig. 3 is a view in elevation from the opposite side, or rear, of the device of Fig. 1 with the electrical connections indicated diagrammatically. I

The invention is shown in the drawing as embodied in a unitary mechanism supported on a mounting plate 5 having openings 66 therein facilitating attachment of the unit to any suitable support, as for example the end plate or head of a dynamo electric-machine in cases where the mechanism is employed to control the energization of such a machine by controlling a circuit leading thereto, such as that shown diegrammatically in Fig. 3 and to be described more fully hereinafter.

As shown, certain of the parts of the unitary structure are enclosed within a cup-shaped inner housing 1 having projecting fingers 8 adapted to pass through openings 9 formed at intervals at equal radial distances from the center of the supporting plate 5, the ends of the fingers being turned to more firmly engage the plate, while at the same time providing a readily detachable connection facilitating removal of the unit. Surrounding the cup-shaped housing 7 there is provided a second cup-shaped member in the nature of a housing 10 which operates with the supporting plate 5 to completelyenclose the entire device and also seal all the parts from interfer= ence'with the proper functioning of any radio apparatus that may be installed in proximity to the device, as for example a radio receiving or transmitting set. The housing 10 is removably secured to the inner cup-shaped member 7 by suitable means including a plurality of screws 12 engaging studs 13 fastened to the housing '7, as indicated at 14. The casing 10 thus encloses a portion of the mechanism which is external to the casing 7 and which is movable relatively thereto in response to energization of the elecnow to be described.

annular disc 18 and the insulating wrapper 19 no of the coil. Adapted to operate electro-magnetically upon energization of the coil 16 are a pair of magnetic pieces 20 and 21, the latter constituting a fixed core having a flange 22 received between the coil 16 and a plate 24 of insulating material. An annular member 25, also of insulating material, acts in conjunction with the plate 24 to position the core element 21 and prevent electrical contact between it and the switch. mechanism to be described. Thecooperating core-piece 20 is shown in the form of a cup-shaped plunger normally spaced from the fixed core-piece 21 but adapted to move toward said core-piece on development of the magnetic field produced upon energization of the coil 16.

The means for normally holding the movable core or plunger 20 spaced away from the core 21 in the' manner shown in Fig. 2 comprises preferably a plurality of'coiled compression springs 28 having their inner ends abutting the outer surface of the member 7 and their outer ends received in recesses in the radially extending flange 29 of the-plunger 20. Secured to this flange portion 29 of the plunger, by suitable means such as hollow rivets 30, is a plate 31 insulated from the plunger 20 by the provision 'of a disc 33 of insulating material, the plate 31 having secured thereto by means of the flanged pin 35 and rivet 36, a disc 87 of suitable current conducting material designed to act as -a'bridging member to electrically connect a pair of fixed contact posts 40 and 41, which, as shown,

' are integral with a pair of terminal arms 42 and 43, respectively, extending radially outward between the insulating plate 24 and a second insulating. plate 45, and apertured to receive a hollow rivet 46 for a purpose hereinafter to be described.

In order to permit free movement of the disc 37 into engagement with the outer faces of the contacts 40 and 41, said contacts are cut away as indicated at 50 and 51, respectively, thus preventing contact of the pin 35 with either of the contact posts 40 and 41 during the movement. of disc 37 into bridging relationship with the contacts. Suitable insulating sleeves and washers 54, and 58 are also provided in association with the disc 87 to insure against short circuiting of the device. Preferably these parts are of a thickness such as to provide a degree of clearance bothlaterally and radially, as indicated in 'Flg. 2, so that as the disc 37 engages the flat surfaces of the contacts 40 and 41, there will be a certain flexibility of movement, thus insuring a ilrm electrical contact, even though some of the elements 'may be somewhat out of true alignment.

' tion in connection with equipment wherein the space requirements are exceptionally severe, as

"for example "in connection with the electrical equipment auxiliary to an' internal combustion engine on an airplane or other automotive'veanism' in which thecircuit is controlled by the f useotaininimum numberofparts sodisposed hicle. when applied to such a use, theterminal plates 42 and 43maybe connected to a battery 60,

and-the brushes of a dynamo electric machine as indicated at 61 anon. respectively in Fig. 8;

the outer portions of the terminal plates being suitab ap rtured, as indicated at 64 and 85.

- r'espectively, tor reception of suitable means go;-

-sorbed therein will cause the contact stud binding thereto the ends of the conductors 61 and 62. I

In Fig. 3, the energization of the coil 16 is indicated as controlled by a manually operable, normally open switch 68 and also by a thermostatic device cooperating with and mounted on the unit by virtue of the provision of a novel construction therefor, which, as shown, comprises a pairof angle brackets '70 and 71 (shown best in Fig. 2), the latter having secured thereto a thin strip 74 having at one end a contact stud 75 normally engaging a corresponding stud 76 fixed to a clip 77 secured to the plate 45 as indicated at 78. Coiled about the strip 74 and suitably insulated therefrom is a thin wire 80 of high resistance, the ends of which are secured to the strip '74 and the bracket 71, respectively, as indicated at 83 and 84. The member 78 is adapted to be electrically con-- 'nected with one end of the winding of the coil 16 through the intermediate lead 81 passing through the hollow rivet 46 previously described, said rivet 46 and the member 78 both being sea cured to the common plate 45. The opposite end of the winding 16 may be grounded in a suitable manner or, as indicated at 85 in Fig. 2, it may be connected electrically with the terminal arm 42.

connectors 85 and 46, and arm 42 to the source 60 by way of the conductor 61. The energization of the coil 16 which is thus produced sets up a magnetic field including the casing 7 and the core-pieces 20 and 21, and serves to draw the former toward the latter and thus cause the member 37 to bridge the contact posts 40 and 41 and complete a circuit in shunt with the circuit previously traced, the shunt circuit passing by way of conductor 90 to the armature and held of the dynamo electric machine or other unit to be supplied, and then by way ofconductor 82 to coil 16 and returns therewith to the source 60 by 1 way of conductor 61. After a predetermined period, depending upon the requirements of the motor being energized and the corresponding size and setting of the thermostat, the heat abto move away from the stud 76, thus interrupting the circuit to the coil 16 and permitting the springs 28 to move the plunger 20 and hence the disc 37 out of bridging relation with the spacedapart contact posts 40 and 41. Priorto such time, if desired, the circuit can of course be broken by operation 01' the manually controlled switch 88.

.There is thus disclosed a solenoid switch mechand controlled as to permit assembly otthe complete unit in a comparatively small space and hence making it possible tov locate the device in proximity to the motor or other electrical unit #9 be controlled, and also in proximity to the 'the terminal member 43, from which point the 12 battery from which the leads proceed. Moreover, the manner in which the electro-magnet operates on the plunger insures a positive actuation of the switch with a minimum of current consump- 5 tion, while the arrangement of the members insures the maintenance of firm contact so long as the solenoid remains energized.

Although but one embodiment of the invention has'been shown and described, it is to be understood that the illustrated embodiment is not exclusive of various other embodiments which will be suggested tothose skilled in the art upon examination of the foregoing specification and. accompanying drawing, and that changes may be made in the arrangement, number and proportion of the parts without departing from the spirit of the invention herein disclosed or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device of the class described, a coil, a pair of spaced apart current conducting contacts extending into said coil, a hollow core movable into said coil on energization thereof, and means within said core for electrically connecting said contacts in response to inward movement of said core.

2. In a device of the class described, a coil, a pair of spaced apart current conducting contacts extending into said coil, a hollow core movable into said coil on energization thereof, means within said core for electrically connecting said contacts in response to inward movement of said core, and resilient means engageable with said core to break said electrical connection on de-energization of said coil.

3. In a device of the class described, a coil, a pair of spaced apart current conducting contacts extending into said coil, a hollow core movable into said coil on energization thereof, and a bridging plate movable with said core substantially in line with said contacts, and engageable therewith in response to inward movement of said core.

4. In a device of the class described, a coil, a pair of spaced apart current conducting contacts extending intosaid coil, a hollow core movable into said coil on energization thereof to electrically connect said contacts, a cup-shaped casing for said coil, said casing being apertured to receive the hollow portion of said core, and means engageable with both said casing and said core to break said electrical connection on de-ener-= gization of said coil.

5. In a device of the class described, a coil, a pair of spaced ap rt current conducting contacts extending into sai coil, a hollow core movable into said coil on energization thereof to electrically connect said contacts, a cup-shaped casing for said coil, said casing being apertured to receive the hollow portion of said core, a core extending radially from said core, and means engageable with both said casing and said core err-= tension to break said electrical connection on de-energization of said coil 6. In a device of the class described, a coil, 2.

switch element extending into said coil, and a second switch element normally outside said switch coil, and means for moving said second switch element into contact with said first named switch elementupon energization of said coil.

'7. In a device of the class described, a coil, a switch element extending into said coil, a second switch element normally outside said switch coil,

and means for moving said second named switch element into contact with said first named switch element upon energization of said coil, said last named'means comprising a movable core surrounding said second named switch element and movable axially along said first named switch element as it is drawn into said coil.

8. In a device of the class described, a coil, a switch element extending into said coil, a second switch element normally outside said switch coil, means for moving said second namedswitch element into contact with said first named switch element upon energization of said coil, said last named means comprising a movable core surrounding said second named switch element and movable axially along said first named switch element as it is drawn into said coil, and a cup shaped casing for said coil, said casing being apertured to receive said core.

9. In a device of the class described, a coil, a switch element extending into said coil, a second switch element normally outside said switch coil, means for moving said second named switch element into contact with said first named switch element upon energization of said coil, and a cupshaped casing for said coil, said casing being apertured to receive said core.

10. In a device of the class described, a coil, a switch element extending into said coil, 2. second switch element normally outside said switch coil, means for moving said second named switch element into contact with said first named switch element upon energization of said coil, said last named means comprising a movable core surrounding said second named switch element and movable axially along said first named switch element as it is drawn into said coil, and a cupshaped casing for said coil, said casing being apertured to receive said core, a core extending radially from said core, and means engageable with both said casing and said core extension to separate said switch elements on de-energization -oi said cell.

ertured to receive said core, a flange extending radially :from said core, and means engageable with both said casing and said flange to separate said switch elements on ale-energization of said coil.

12. In a solenoid switch, a cup-shaped outer casing, a second cup-shaped inner casing secured thereto, an electromagnet mounted within said inner casing, a switch element extending within said electro-magnet, and a second switch element normally disposed within said outer casing but outside the inner casing and movable into contact with said first named switch element upon energization of said electro-magnet.

13. In a solenoid switch, a cup-shaped outer casing, a second cup-shaped inner casing secured thereto, a solenoid coil mounted within said inner casing, a switch element extending within said coil, a second switch element normally disposed within said outer casing but outside the inner casing and movable into contact with said first named switch element upon energization of said coil, and resilient means interposed between said inner and outer casing for separating said switch elements upon de-energization of said coil.

14. In a solenoid switch, a cup-shaped outer casing, and means including a movable core disposed partly within and partly outside said inner casing for electrically connecting said switch elements. a

15. In a device 01 the class described, a cupshaped outer casing, a cup-shaped inner casing secured thereto, and means including a plate en- 'gageable with said inner casing and cooperating thereto, a solenoid coil mounted within said inner casing, a switch element extending within said -coil, a second switch element normally disposed within said outer casing but outside the inner casing, a second cup-shaped inner casing secured thereto, a solenoid coil mounted within said inner casing, a switch element extending within said coil, a second switch element normally disposed within said outer casing. but outside the inner casing, means including a movable core disposed partly within and partly outside said inner casing for electrically connecting said switch elements, resilient means engageable with said core to break said electrical connection upon de-energizatlon of said coil, and means for loosely mounting said second named switch element within the cylindrical portion oi! said core.

18. In a solenoid switch, a cup-shaped casing,

a coil and a tilted core within said casing; a movable core partly within and partly without said casing, and means interposed between said casing and said movable core for yieldingly holding it spaced apart from said fixed core, and a second casing surrounding said first named casing and acting to limit the movement of said core in the direction away from said first named core.

EDWARD B. NOWOSIELSKI. 

